Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by the Minister of State for the Middle East on 11 October (HC174027), what assessment they have made of the treatment of political prisoner Hassan Mushaima in Bahrain following the cancellation of medical appointments and family visits; and whether they will make representations to the government of Bahrain about her treatment.

The noble Lord will know that the British Embassy in Bahrain and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office continue to follow the case of Hassan Mushaima closely and have raised it with the Government of Bahrain at a senior level. As the Minister for the Middle East and I have made clear in answers to questions tabled in this House and the other place, the Government of Bahrain have given categorical assurances that Mr Mushaima and others detained in Bahrain have access to medical care as needed. The Government of Bahrain have also been clear that family visits, within the prison rules and regulations are permitted. I understand that Mr Mushaima has recently received a family visit.

We continue to encourage those with concerns to report them to the appropriate human rights oversight body. We also continue to encourage the oversight bodies to carry out swift and thorough investigations into any such claims.